Aesthetica Art Prize Exhibition Open For One More Week

The Aesthetica Art Prize Exhibition at York St Mary’s, York, will be open for one more week, closing on 28 April. The Art Prize is a celebration of excellence in art from across the world and offers artists the opportunity to showcase their work to wider audiences and further their involvement in the international art world. Previous finalists include Julia Vogl, who was shortlisted for New Sensations – Saatchi Gallery and Channel 4′s Prize – and has exhibited at Zabludowicz Collection; Marcus Jansen, a leading modern expressionist who joined a legacy of artists by featuring in Absolut Vodka’s artistic campaigns, and Bernat Millet, also shortlisted for National Portrait Gallery’s Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize. The exhibition includes the two winners, Poppy Whatmore and Damien O’Mara, and the 6 other shortlisted artists, besides the work of the 100 longlisted artists.

The exhibition offers a unique chance to view Damien and Poppy’s work together, along with the remaining 6 outstanding finalists in this year’s Prize. Together these pieces beautifully demonstrate the range and quality of current artistic practice, combining to showcase an international breadth of exceptional work. The works collectively highlight modern concerns, ranging from the environment, capitalism, traditional views on women to marginalised communities. Showcased in the medieval setting of York St Mary’s, the exhibition challenges the notion of the “white cube” and delivers a unique experience, uniting unmissable works by international rising stars of the art world in a new visual context.

Australian artist Damien O’Mara’s winning entry Airport was chosen for its acute depiction of the demands of corporate life, with its unique focus on masculinity and the representation of men in today’s society – a topic not often discussed or explored. These bold themes are investigated through the juxtaposition of suited male figures incongruously situated in locations “off limits” or “out of bounds” to the average, professional man. The works interrogate the value of role and position in the attainment of a meaningful, authentic existence, and the suitability of traditional paths in achieving those goals.

The Student Prize went to Slade School of Fine Art Graduate Poppy Whatmore, for her instillation piece The Family Meal. In her monumental structure, Poppy re-appropriates functional, domestic objects to subvert their meaning, exploring themes connected with the human condition and our personal relationships with each other. Aesthetica Art Prize judges were particularly impressed with Poppy’s bold use of space, and her ability to evoke nostalgia through careful assemblage of otherwise mundane household items.

The awards were announced to an audience of industry figures, fellow artists and special guests at the unveiling of the much anticipated Aesthetica Art Prize exhibition on Thursday 7 March. Cherie Federico, Editor of Aesthetica Magazine and Art Prize judge, reflects on the winning pieces: “I am delighted to bring these artists’ works to the city. Moreover, the nature of many of the pieces comments upon life in the 21st century, evoking a deeper meaning, and reflection of the world in which we live.”

With this being the Aesthetica Art Prize’s inaugural exhibition, there is an added sense of anticipation and excitement surrounding this year’s winners, and the success they may experience subsequently. World renowned British sculptor and Art Prize judge Kate MccGwire was deeply impressed by the quality of work entered into the contest this year, and is confident of the further success the 2012 winners are yet to enjoy: “I feel honoured to have been invited to judge the Aesthetica Art Prize, and look forward to seeing the development of these gifted artists over the coming years.”

Previous finalist Julia Vogl experienced a wealth of success after winning the Aesthetica Art Prize 2011, going on to win the Catlin Art Prize, exhibiting at the Zabludowicz Collection and being shortlisted for New Sensations – Saatchi Gallery and Channel 4′s Prize. The instillation artist describes the positive impact the Prize has had on her career: “It was been a terrific boost to my confidence, especially at a time where being an artist is fiercely competitive and hard to finance.”

The impressive list of judges who selected this year’s winners comprises of influential art figures and curators: Cherie Federico, Editor of Aesthetica Magazine; Laura Turner, Curator at York Art Gallery; Frances Guy, Head of Collection and Exhibitions at The Hepworth Wakefield; Kate MccGwire, internationally renowned British Sculptor and Neeta Madahar, renowned British photography represented by the Purdy Hicks Gallery, London.

Interview: Writer of Pomona, Alistair McDowall, Orange Tree Theatre

Pomona is a sinister and surreal thriller from Alistair McDowall, writer of Talk Show, Brilliant Adventures and Captain Amazing. The play rotates around Ollie whose sister is missing. Searching Manchester in desperation, she finds all roads lead to Pomona.